Laboratory Head Upstream Process Development (all genders)

About the job 

Our Team:

We, Sanofi, are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. With unique, novel, and innovative biomolecules (e.g. Nanobody®, SYNTHORIN™) come new challenges for large-scale process development in microbial systems. Our team develops the future manufacturing processes for these new therapeutics. We use cutting-edge fermentation systems and process-supporting analytical techniques (PAT) to be faster for our patients. In the context we are looking for a highly self-motivated, innovate microbial fermentation process development expert to lead a lab within the Global Microbial Platform Upstream Processing Organization. 

Main responsibilities:

The successful candidate will lead a fermentation process development team, with responsibilities spanning from bacteria to yeast fermentation.  

• Establish next generation microbial fermentation platforms enabling innovative microbial-based modalities, e.g. nanobodies, fusion proteins, synthorins, leveraging digital tools and predictive modeling 

• Provide management support to team members, including scientists, engineers, technicians, and promote their career development 

• Develop robust and cost-efficient process in ambitious timeline to support clinical supply and commercial launch, utilizing data-driven approaches and process modeling 

• Drive digital innovation in fermentation process development through implementation of advanced analytics, modeling, and automation 

• Contribute to CMC project teams as USP and/or DS team representative 

• Work closely and independently with counterparts in CMC Development and other functions along the value chain to deliver on CMC milestones while adhering to project timelines 

• Serve as technical lead to scale-up and transfer the established process into pilot plant and commercial facilities 

• Author and review the internal documentation and preparation of technical reports required for IND/BLA 

• Collaborate with other scientists/engineers across the biologics manufacturing network within Sanofi and with partnership organizations 

About you  

Education and professional Experience

• Ph.D. in biochemical engineering (preferred), microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology or relevant area with at least 2 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in E. coli and/or yeast fermentation process development. Alternatively, a master degree with minimal 5 years of experience may be considered. 
• Profound knowledge and intensive hands-on experience in fermentation process development, process control strategies, bioreactor design, tech transfer and related scale-up/-down principles as well as media optimization  
• Strong statistic background with experience of DoE and MVDA, hands on experience with JMP/design expert/Modde are desired 
• Demonstrated expertise in process modeling (mechanistic and/or data-driven models) and computer programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages) 
• Proven track record of applying computational tools to solve complex fermentation challenges 
• Experience with process digitalization and/or implementation of new technologies is highly valued 

Soft skills

• Positive, open-minded personality with high degree in flexibility, can-do mentality, trustworthiness and taking ownership 

• Conceptual and creative thinker with analytical excellence and a structured and accurate way of working 

• Excellence in project management and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives 

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment with excellent communication skills to diverse audiences 

• Proven ability to work efficiently, both independently or in a team setting, and meet set goals by managing own timelines 

Languages

• Very good German skills are required (Certified German Level B2 or higher) 

• English (written and spoken) 

Why choose us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
• Benefit from a well-thought-out benefits package that rewards your contribution and commitment.
• Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs. 
• Enjoy opportunities to collaborate beyond your area of expertise, working with diverse teams across science, clinical, and digital fields to spark new ideas and drive breakthroughs. 
• Accelerate your professional development with structured career paths designed for both scientific and leadership advancement. Grow in ways you never imagined through bold moves that stretch your potential, cross moves into other business areas, and short-term gigs that build your scientific expertise.​     ​

PursueProgress. Discover Extraordinary.

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.  Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

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